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"Patience for Suffering" by Charlotte Evans
James 5:7 So, brothers, be patient until the Lord returns. See how the farmer waits for the precious “fruit of the earth” — he is patient over it until it receives the fall and spring rains.[James 5:7 Deuteronomy 11:14; Jeremiah 5:24; Joel 2:23] 8 You too, be patient; keep up your courage; for the Lord’s return is near. 9 Don’t grumble against one another, brothers, so that you won’t come under condemnation — look! the Judge is standing at the door! 10 As an example of suffering mistreatment and being patient, brothers, take the prophets who spoke in the name of Adonai. 11 Look, we regard those who persevered as blessed. You have heard of the perseverance of Iyov, and you know what the purpose of Adonai was, that Adonai is very compassionate and merciful.[James 5:11 Exodus 34:6; Psalms 103:8; 111:4]
12 Above all, brothers, stop swearing oaths — not “By heaven,” not “By the earth,” and not by any other formula; rather, let your “Yes” be simply “Yes” and your “No” simply “No,” so that you won’t fall under condemnation.
13 Is someone among you in trouble? He should pray. Is someone feeling good? He should sing songs of praise.
14 Is someone among you ill? He should call for the elders of the congregation. They will pray for him and rub olive oil on him in the name of the Lord. 15 The prayer offered with trust will heal the one who is ill — the Lord will restore his health; and if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. 16 Therefore, openly acknowledge your sins to one another, and pray for each other, so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. 17 Eliyahu was only a human being like us; yet he prayed fervently that it might not rain, and no rain fell on the Land for three years and six months. 18 Then he prayed again, and heaven gave rain, and the Land produced its crops.
19 My brothers, if one of you wanders from the truth, and someone causes him to return, 20 you should know that whoever turns a sinner from his wandering path will save him from death and cover many sins.[James 5:20 Proverbs 10:12]
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God’s Word tells us there will be suffering. The way of the cross is not always an easy path. To grow in our faith we must develop the discipline of patience. We will experience seasons of disappointment, discouragement and for some, great sorrow. The Apostle James encourages us to “be patient and stand firm” (James 5:8). That word “patient” implies “long suffering.” Long suffering challenges us to handle our suffering without grumbling or complaint. The mature Christian will keep a focus on Christ trusting in His love. The world is attracted to the believer who demonstrates strength in storms. It is a great joy to respond, "My strength comes from the Lord!"
Living a patient, long suffering life in Christ happens because we know Jesus will one day make everything right. We build long-suffering lives by not giving Satan an opportunity. We must flee from anything that compromises our hope. We develop patience because we keep our focus on the reality that Jesus is coming again. We no longer have to live a life defined by the lies of Satan. We can be strong and steadfast because Jesus is our hope. Jesus is coming again!
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Hymn for Today: "We'll work till Jesus Comes" by Elizabeth Mills
1. O land of rest, for thee I sigh!
When will the moment come
When I shall lay my armor by
And dwell in peace at home?
Refrain: We’ll work till Jesus comes,
We’ll work till Jesus comes,
We’ll work till Jesus comes,
And we’ll be gathered home.
2. To Jesus Christ I fled for rest;
He bade me cease to roam,
And lean for comfort on His breast
Till He conduct me home.
Refrain: We’ll work till Jesus comes,
We’ll work till Jesus comes,
We’ll work till Jesus comes,
And we’ll be gathered home
3. I sought at once my Savior’s side;
No more my steps shall roam.
With Him I’ll brave death’s chilling tide
And reach my heav’nly home.
Refrain: We’ll work till Jesus comes,
We’ll work till Jesus comes,
We’ll work till Jesus comes,
And we’ll be gathered home
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Thought of the Day: Hebrews 10:36 For you need to hold out; so that, by having done what God wills, you may receive what he has promised.
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Please Pray: That many people in Zanzibar will come to know Yeshua the Messiah and receive the fullness of the Ruach HaKadesh.
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Please Pray: That many people in Zanzibar will come to know Yeshua the Messiah and receive the fullness of the Ruach HaKadesh.
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